Vladimir Propp Theory

Vladimir Propp was a literary critic who created the idea of a certain type of character found in narrative structures in films. He analysed over 100 Russian fairytales in the 1920s and proposed that it was possible to classify the characters and their actions into clearly defined roles and functions, following a specific narrative structure. Specifically, Propp suggested that there are eight character types: the Villain, the Dispatcher, the Helper, the Princess, the Father, the Donor, the Hero and the False Hero. I have studied these and referred to examples in each of these characters from fantasy television series 'The Shannara Chronicles'.

The Villain

The Villain fights the hero in some way. The Villain and the Hero are normally juxtaposed by their appearance as the Villain will be portrayed as unattractive, sinister and creepy. This is normally achieved by having the character bear scars or unflattering features whilst their costume is normally dark and mysterious.

The character of the Villain can be seen in 'The Shannara Chronicles' as the Dagda Mor. This is down to his evil deeds in attempting to turn the world back into a realm of darkness and demons. He also stereotypically fits the description as being gnarled and scarred which can be seen due to the piercings and scars running down his face.

The Dispatcher

The Dispatcher is a character who makes the Villain's evil deeds known so that they can send the Hero on their journey, encouraging the Hero to eliminate evil.

The character of the Dispatcher in 'The Shannara Chronicles' is the character of the Elven King, Eventine. King Eventine first brings the idea of magic and demons back to the realm of the elves after having made them believe that magic was a lie. With the aid of Allanon, King Eventine sends his granddaughter, Amberle on her quest to save the Elcrys tree.

The Helper

Unsurprisingly, the Helper helps the Hero on their quest.

The character of the Helper in 'The Shanara Chronicles' is the character of Eretria. Although she is at first presented as an enemy to both Wil and Amberle, Eretria ultimately ends up helping them both on the quest in unlocking the Blood-Fire with her own blood and the tattoo on her back.

The Princess

The Princess provides the role of a character that the Hero wants but is unable to marry due to an unfair evil, normally caused by the Villain. The Hero's journey/quest normally ends when the Hero is finally allowed to marry the Princess after having beaten the Villain.

Although a male character, in 'The Shannara Chronicles' I think the character of Wil fits into the role of the Princess. Wil is the love interest of both Amberle (Hero) and Eritrea (Helper) and is ultimately what Amberle wants even though he is only a half-elf. He also fits under this category as he and Amberle almost get together before the end of the season when she becomes the Elcrys - therefore preventing them from being together.

The Father

The Father normally gives the task to the hero, identifies the false hero or marries the hero. Propp found that the roles of the Father and the Princess cannot be clearly established and their roles can actually merge into one.

The character of the Father falls to Ander in 'The Shannara Chronicles' as he encourages Amberle to succeed as her uncle, having watched over her ever since his brother Aine was murdered. Ander's character also identifies as the False Hero as the demons in the Arborlorn - who eventually bring Ander's other brother, Arion back from the dead to fight for their cause instead of for the elves -leave Ander with no choice but to kill his brother.

The Donor

The Donor prepares the Hero for the quest or gives the Hero a magical object.

Allanon's character in 'The Shannara Chronicles' as one of the last druids is the Donor. Allanon prepares both Amerble and Wil for their quest to save the Elcrys and gives Wil his three elfstones  as well as telling Amberle how to retrieve the Elcrys seed.

The Hero

Normally the protagonist of the story or film, the Hero reacts to the Donor and ultimately marries the Princess.

In 'The Shannara Chronicles' Amberle is the protagonist of the series and also the leader of the quest to save the Elcrys. However, her role as a Hero is debatable because although she interacts with Allanon (the Donor) she is in fact the love interest of Wil and is kidnapped or taken away just like the role of the Princess would only for Wil to save her.

False Hero

The False Hero normally takes credit for the Hero's actions or attempts to marry the Princess.